Below you will find picture and information on the many waterfalls in our region. We have included difficulty ratings when possible. Hiking in the mountains can be a wonderful experience and is good exercise. Before attempting to hike we suggest you consult with your doctor to make sure you are physically capable.  Remember hiking at 3000 to 6000 feet of altitude is much different than walking along the beach. Never attempt to hike to the top of waterfalls as this is very dangerous. Rocks can be very slippery and you could loose your footing and fall, the results could be fatal. Be Smart and SAFE! 




Cullasaja Falls
Located in the Cullasaja Gorge
250 feet cascade/free-fall
No hike necessary-road side

Location: Visible from US Hwy 64, 11 miles east of Franklin and 9 miles west of Highlands. 

Dry Falls
Unique falls in that you can actually walk behind the falls. 
80 feet free-fall
200 yard easy walk

Directions: Located on US Hwy 64, 3.5 miles from Highlands, 16.5 miles east of Franklin.  Paved walking path leads to falls from parking area. 

High Shoals Scenic Area, a scenic 1.2 mile hike one way.
On this hike you visit two impressive waterfalls on a downhill trail. The first waterfall, at 1 mile, is called Blue Hole. Another 0.3 mile down is 100-foot-high Shoals Falls, both with an observation deck for viewing.Moderate Difficulty.
From Downtown Hiawassee:  Proceed approx. 4 miles and make a right onto Hwy 17/75 South towards Helen/Cleveland. Once on Hwy 17/75 proceed approx. 6 miles and make a left onto FS 283.  Follow FS 283 approx. 1.5 miles to the start of the trailhead and parking area on the left.  Visitors must cross a  creek just off the highway. 




Minnehaha Falls
60 Feet Cascade, 0.3 mile easy hike one way

Directions:  Just north of Tallulah Falls, make a right onto Old Hwy 441 and continue approx. 2.5 miles, then turn left on Lake Rabun Rd.  Proceed approx. 6 miles then make a left onto the road that crosses Lake Rabun just below Seed Lake Dam.  Proceed across the bridge to the stop sign.  Bear left onto Bear Gap Rd and proceed approx. 1.5 miles to the pull off area on the left. 




Skinny Dip Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Parking for the falls is at the Looking Glass overlook at MP 417 of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the trailhead is across the road. The trail is about 1/2 mile and fairly easy.  

Tallulaha Gorge
One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S. with 2 miles in length and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike trails to numerous overlooks, or obtain a free permit to hike down to the gorge floor. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above offering spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. The park's Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center offers exhibits highlighting the rich history of the Victorian resort town, in addition to the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem of the area.